A recent study has revealed that a ketogenic (keto) diet significantly outperformed a Mediterranean diet in improving various metabolic health metrics for individuals recently diagnosed with diabetes. Conducted over a year, the study found that while the keto diet showed superior results for up to six months, these advantages were not sustained through the entire duration. The research highlights the keto diet's efficacy in enhancing blood sugar levels, gut microbiota composition, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), and triglycerides more effectively than the Mediterranean diet.
Participants in the study were randomly assigned either a very low-calorie ketogenic diet or a Mediterranean-type diet. The keto diet, which restricts carbohydrates to less than 30 grams per day and emphasizes protein-based meals, demonstrated remarkable improvements in managing type 2 diabetes compared to its Mediterranean counterpart. Despite this, the Mediterranean diet is noted for being easier to maintain and has long been established as beneficial for weight loss and sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients.
“A Mediterranean diet,” noted Ng, “is a valuable resource and tool to help people with [type 2 diabetes] control their sugars, improve weight loss, and is likely easier to maintain than a keto diet, and is an established diet that can improve the health of patients with [this condition].” – Jason Ng, MD, BA
Dr. Jason Ng, MD, BA, commented on these findings, acknowledging the keto diet's potential as a tool for managing obesity and improving insulin resistance, especially in individuals struggling with weight loss or variable sugar control.
“a keto diet may be a valuable tool in the management of obesity and improvement in insulin resistance in patients […] who cannot lose weight or have variable sugar control.” – Jason Ng, MD, BA
However, the study also highlighted potential risks associated with the keto diet. Dr. Ng emphasized concerns about nutrient deficiencies, liver and kidney issues, constipation, mood swings, and cognitive challenges due to reduced sugar intake.
“The keto diet can have risks such as nutrient deficiencies, liver issues, constipation, and kidney issues.” – Jason Ng, MD, BA
Despite these concerns, Dr. Ng mentioned that potential weight loss and improvements in gut microbiota from keto diets might be beneficial if applied carefully and with close monitoring.
“Potential weight loss and possible improvement in gut microbiota from keto diets may be possible in carefully selected patients who are healthy otherwise, and with close monitoring to ensure minimization of those side effects.” – Jason Ng, MD, BA
Nutritionist Routhenstein offers an alternative perspective by advising against fad diets. Instead, she recommends focusing on nutrient adequacy and balanced meal planning as more sustainable methods for managing type 2 diabetes and enhancing overall health.
“Rather than following fad diets,” Routhenstein advised, “I recommend focusing on nutrient adequacy, effective meal planning, and a balanced approach that includes proper timing for meals. This strategy is more sustainable for managing type 2 diabetes and improving overall health.” – Routhenstein
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